Last uni class tomorrow! I am excited see more student projects reflecting our learning journeys in I4ED! My summative project is posted below. I needed some help to get the audio and slides together, but am challenging myself to do another one by myself this weekend, so I do not forget how!
I have come to really enjoy blog-land. I like reflecting on my experiences, reading about others' perspectives and engaging in discussion and debate over issues that come up. This may be my favourite tool to come out of class, and one I will incorporate into my teaching in many ways. I have really enjoyed reading my classmates' blogs over the past few months... I hope to stay connected and keep sharing experiences through student teaching and job - hunting!
Hope everyone has a fun and fulfilling student teaching placement!
Wednesday 6 March 2013
Monday 4 March 2013
Sunday 3 March 2013
The future and me and technology... and shout-outs!
As our class winds down, I have been reflecting on all I have learned and thinking about how my teaching will benefit from our Internet for Educators class. I spent some time reading classmates' blogs, and realize how much I have gained just from connecting with the students in this class! I hope we continue to share ideas, resources and stories as we enter our teaching careers! The connection / communication opportunities will ripple out from here as I explore the great resources students and educators generously share. The chances I have had to collaborate and to ask questions have helped me to acquire more confidence in using technology. Taking this class was a leap out of my comfort zone... as is well documented in this blog, I came late to this tech party! I have a low frustration threshold when it comes to things I can't reason with verbally... like computers and devices. Thanks to all my classmates who patiently answered my questions and helped me out... especially Lisa, Tyler, Kirsten and Jennifer. And our fearless leader, Mr. Mike Nantais...I am pretty sure I would not have joined this class if not for your encouragement and enthusiasm for all kinds of learning.
I learned about new educational tools in every class. I am much more aware of the amazing learning opportunities that technology creates, and I will use tools like Twitter, blogging, infographics, podcasts and video in my future classes. The most important thing that has changed has been my outlook. I am grateful for my new, improved perspective on technology. What I will really take with me from this class is a 21st century view of sharing. The sharing and co-creating of information and experiences has always been an important part of my teaching philosophy, but I now see possibilities in the future and go... WOW! My students are lucky to be learners in this generation.
I want my students to experience success, and it my responsibility as an educator to use all the tools in the shed to support their learning. This class has helped to "unlock the shed" for me! I am committed to this ongoing journey of learning about and infusing ICT into my teaching.
I learned about new educational tools in every class. I am much more aware of the amazing learning opportunities that technology creates, and I will use tools like Twitter, blogging, infographics, podcasts and video in my future classes. The most important thing that has changed has been my outlook. I am grateful for my new, improved perspective on technology. What I will really take with me from this class is a 21st century view of sharing. The sharing and co-creating of information and experiences has always been an important part of my teaching philosophy, but I now see possibilities in the future and go... WOW! My students are lucky to be learners in this generation.
I want my students to experience success, and it my responsibility as an educator to use all the tools in the shed to support their learning. This class has helped to "unlock the shed" for me! I am committed to this ongoing journey of learning about and infusing ICT into my teaching.
Saturday 2 March 2013
The Future is Happening!
Reading the NMC Horizon Report is an eye-opening look at the amazing ways technology is enhancing education and learning now, and a look ahead to possibilities for the future.
This is an exciting time in education. We have tools that can expand and and extend the learning experience for ourselves and for students. A few of my thoughts, ideas and realizations...
Smartphones/Tablets - These devices already have a strong presence in many schools. They allow students independent access to information and the ability to communicate and connect with others outside the classroom. A huge array of Apps allow for differentiation and offer some students specialized learning support. Before this class I was a little nervous about "dealing" with kids using phones in school all day, and fearing the distraction this might cause. Now, I have come to understand the many functions and benefits of phones and tablets. Students won't be distracted, and will use the tools for learning if they are guided and encouraged to do so... and that is my job.
Game-based Learning - This is an area I need to learn more about. I think that there are many benefits to games and often use cooperative and competitive games in my lessons. I agree that games can increase engagement and develop visual awareness, problem solving and strategy. I think I have an image of the "gamer" as being isolated, playing a game instead of interacting with real people. I realize that most games have a community of players, and need to work on accepting Mr. M. Nantais' wise words... "these (online connections) are real people, too!" As with everything, moderation and balance are key.
Personal Learning Environments - This aspect of technology is really interesting to me. Students can use tools to create a personal environment to suit their own learning style. They can explore and connect with people in their own areas of interest. I see this embracing this development as true constructivism... students taking ownership of their learning. As a teacher, my goal is to instill in students a love of learning for its own sake. Through technology, students have more independence and more opportunity for self-directed learning.
Augmented Reality - The Horizon report is looking down the road and seeing these developments becoming classroom norms. The blend of "real world and related media and data" is basically an extension of how we are already using technology to connect with other classrooms and cultures,experiences, and places around the world. This kind of technology will offer contextual experience. As we all strive to make learning relevant and make lessons come alive, I can imagine the virtual tours of the future! My students might be able to explore Ankor Wat, or watch an ancient Olympics, or experience the life of an astronaut. Exciting stuff!
Natural User Interface Developments in technology mean advances in how people interact with devices. As my 2 year old niece shows me when she tries to "slide" the screen on my not-smart-phone to "see the pictures", people have already adapted to different interactions with devices and want hands on access! A point I really liked in the report was about this technology was considering the possibilities for people with disabilities that affect speech or mobility. Imagine what gesture or voice based interface could mean for some people's ability to communicate and connect!
This is an exciting time in education. We have tools that can expand and and extend the learning experience for ourselves and for students. A few of my thoughts, ideas and realizations...
Smartphones/Tablets - These devices already have a strong presence in many schools. They allow students independent access to information and the ability to communicate and connect with others outside the classroom. A huge array of Apps allow for differentiation and offer some students specialized learning support. Before this class I was a little nervous about "dealing" with kids using phones in school all day, and fearing the distraction this might cause. Now, I have come to understand the many functions and benefits of phones and tablets. Students won't be distracted, and will use the tools for learning if they are guided and encouraged to do so... and that is my job.
Game-based Learning - This is an area I need to learn more about. I think that there are many benefits to games and often use cooperative and competitive games in my lessons. I agree that games can increase engagement and develop visual awareness, problem solving and strategy. I think I have an image of the "gamer" as being isolated, playing a game instead of interacting with real people. I realize that most games have a community of players, and need to work on accepting Mr. M. Nantais' wise words... "these (online connections) are real people, too!" As with everything, moderation and balance are key.
Personal Learning Environments - This aspect of technology is really interesting to me. Students can use tools to create a personal environment to suit their own learning style. They can explore and connect with people in their own areas of interest. I see this embracing this development as true constructivism... students taking ownership of their learning. As a teacher, my goal is to instill in students a love of learning for its own sake. Through technology, students have more independence and more opportunity for self-directed learning.
Augmented Reality - The Horizon report is looking down the road and seeing these developments becoming classroom norms. The blend of "real world and related media and data" is basically an extension of how we are already using technology to connect with other classrooms and cultures,experiences, and places around the world. This kind of technology will offer contextual experience. As we all strive to make learning relevant and make lessons come alive, I can imagine the virtual tours of the future! My students might be able to explore Ankor Wat, or watch an ancient Olympics, or experience the life of an astronaut. Exciting stuff!
Natural User Interface Developments in technology mean advances in how people interact with devices. As my 2 year old niece shows me when she tries to "slide" the screen on my not-smart-phone to "see the pictures", people have already adapted to different interactions with devices and want hands on access! A point I really liked in the report was about this technology was considering the possibilities for people with disabilities that affect speech or mobility. Imagine what gesture or voice based interface could mean for some people's ability to communicate and connect!
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